Bayern fall at home to Gladbach and Wolfsburg fail to capitalize
Wolfsburg failed to capitalize on Bayern Munich's first home defeat since April 2014, a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Earlier in the day, the Wolves returned from European exploits but could only manage a 1-1 draw at Mainz.
Champions League-chasing Gladbach scored twice through Brazilian forward Raffael who has now scored more in his last three games than in his first 20 this season. But the striker was helped in his first goal by an individual error from Bayern's Manuel Neuer who couldn't stop the ball sliding out of his hands and over the line.
Bayern came unstuck for 90 minutes against a well-drilled Gladbach defense who has now kept the Bavarians at bay for 120 minutes this season. The home side's afternoon started on a damp note as Arjen Robben was substituted after suffering a heavy fall in a challenge with Tony Jantschke on 24 minutes.
The Allianz Arena's silence was prolonged as Borussia Mönchengladbach struck a killer blow on the half hour mark. Patrick Herrmann, who had scored seven goals for the Foals in 2015, turned provider, crossing for Raffael whose shot was fumbled over the line by Neuer.
Gladbach's stern defense proved too compact for Bayern to break down with the home side prevented from creating any clear scoring situations. Amid an onslaught from the home side, Gladbach's quick attacking line was continuously threatening. Andre Hahn hit the post with 20 minutes of the game to play, and the second was similarly on the counterattack.
Christoph Kramer charged out of midfield with the ball against a committed Bayern defense, the midfielder's adroit footwork in the box carved out the room for Raffael to slot under Neuer for his second of the game.
As Bayern pushed forward, more holes appeared for Gladbach to exploit with Fabian Johnson and Max Kruse unable to score in a two-v-one situation. Kruse, a second-half substitute, forced a fine save from Neuer in the final few minutes.
Bayern's frustration will be carried over the international break with Borussia Dortmund the next opponents for Guardiola's side.
A crumb of comfort for the German champions, still on course for their 24th Bundesliga title, was the return of Thiago Alcantara who was named on the bench for the first time since May.
Meanwhile, Gladbach's charge for the Champions League is strengthened by a win in Munich as they move back into third and close the gap with Wolfsburg to seven points.
Wolfsburg slip up in Mainz
In Mainz, Luiz Gustavo's late equalizer canceled out an opener from Niko Bungert as Wolfsburg were left cursing a missed opportunity to cut the gap at the top. Wolfsburg have lost just one match in their last 14 matches - the defeat at Augsburg ending a run of 11 matches without defeat.
Returning from Milan where they qualified for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League, Dieter Hecking freshened his starting eleven with six changes - not since 2013 had Wolfsburg made as many changes to their side. Andre Schürrle and Nicklas Bendtner started together in attack for the Wolves.
Mid-table Mainz is riding the 'bounce' brought by the change of coach following the 4-2 defeat at Borussia Dortmund last month. Martin Schmidt, the former U23 coach, has overseen a noticeable improvement in their fortunes with just one defeat in their last four games before kick-off.
The upward trajectory under Schmidt carried into their home match with Wolfsburg; the Carnival Club thoroughly dominating the first 45 minutes, while Dieter Hecking's men toiled.
On seven minutes, Mainz's club captain Bungert headed in from close range, meeting a superb delivery from Johannes Geis.
His burgeoning reputation is on the up and with interest from Gladbach and Leverkusen; the midfielder could be one of the players to keep an eye on for the next summer transfer window. Geis showed off his free-kick talents, hitting the crossbar from 25 yards out in the 28th minute.
The hosts had a goal ruled out for offside before the half-time break where Hecking tinkered with his side, introducing Vieirinha at right-back and Ivan Perisic into attack.
It took the best part of a quarter of an hour to reap the effects, but on 60 minutes, Gustavo smashed the left-hand post from 30 yards. The Brazilian midfielder netted a minute later, bundling home compatriot Naldo's flick-on from another Kevin de Bruyne set-piece.
Chances aside for De Bruyne and Ja-Cheol Koo in the last 20 minutes, Wolfsburg's efforts were subdued as they fail to win post-Europa League for the second time this season and miss out on the chance to cut the gap at the top to eight points.
